tube pre amp plus solid state power amps?

25 watts. Should be could for most applications with 91-92db speakers with smooth, and highish impedance (good for OTLs, good for the J2)

I made a recent switch from Lamm M1.1 hybrid (100wpc pure Class A into 8 or 4 ohms - unlike M2.1 or 2.2 which switch to AB at certain power levels) amps to Clayton M200 SS amps. I am quite happy with this lateral move. Both are Class A so the heat issue is a wash, and both accomodate tube preamps with relatively high input impedances of 47K for the Lamm and 100K for the Clayton's. The M1.1's sound great but are an older design, a bit dark in tonality and somewhat rolled off in the HF. The Clayton's do not suffer the darkness or HF roll-off shortcomings, provide more power (200wpc into 8 ohms and 400wpc into 4 ohms), are a newer design with newer output devices, and came with a warranty. There are some things the Lamm's did a bit better - if you like a darker, richer-sounding presentation, and they were maybe just a touch more dimensional (due to the tube in the input stage?), but both kick strong in the bass and I don't have to consider changing tubes with the Clayton's. The M200's double into 4 ohms and drive my 90dB speakers to very satisfying levels, where the Lamm's did get a bit "hard" sounding when pushed to levels I would not normally listen at. For true Class A solid state, you would be hard pressed to do better at similar power levels than the Clayton's. They also offer an M300 mono pair with a low bias switch so they can be left on all the time. All that said, the newer Lamm M1.2's would be very high on my list to audition, if I had the cash.

I've had no problem obtaining a rich, tube-like sound by using a Conrad Johnson PV-5 (heavily modified)tube preamp with a Belles 350A solid-state amp (not Reference). Mitch2 and others are right to bring the impedance matching info to your attention, heed them. I feel ( and its only my opinion) that the Belles amp has tube-like qualities, it's not analytical or edgy-sounding, and brings very good bass oomph to the otherwise rolled off bass qualities of the CJ preamp. The reason for the good bass is most likely the high damping factor of the Belles amp,but I'm sure there are other factors at play here, such as choice of cables and source components. The tube preamp with solid state amp combo may not give you 100% of the tube sound youre used to, but with prudent system matching, it can get very close......good luck in your search!--Mrmitch

Thanks for everyone’s help. I learned so much from you guys. I need to think more about it. I know it is hard to talk about without knowing the system I have
Here is my system:
VPI Scott master turntable
Musicale fidelity A5 DC player
Bottle Head / seduction phonon stage (need to upgrade)
Cary 05 pre amp
Rogue 150 tube pre amp
Magneplanar MG IIIa

I learning mostly classical music. I don’t have much knowledge that most of you out there. I think my system many not well balanced. I think some point, I may need to update my phonon stage and power amp. I like the tube sound, may be I should stay within tube. Thanks for all the help

I always used that combination in the past because I could not afford a high powered tube amp. Recently I purchased a tube amp, they are much better to my ears.
I also have a tube pre and high quality SS. The difference is in your depth of listning. If you are going to get serious, you got to go all tubes; although tube SS is very good.